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Ping Pong (Table Tennis) on Shabbos

May one play ping pong on shabbos?

Answer:

There is no formal prohibition on ping pong. Although the Shulchan Aruch (308:45) mentions a blanket prohibition on ball games, this is based on the prohibition of mukzeh, and balls such as ping pong balls, which are clearly designated for games, are not muktzeh (based on Rema, loc. cit. and Mishnah Berurah). With the exception of football (meaning soccer, in particular on grass), ball games are therefore permitted, including ping pong (Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasah 16:6).

However, as a general rule one should not spend Shabbos playing games, but focus rather on spiritual pursuits (davening, learning Torah, meals infused with Torah and spiritual content). See Aruch Hashulchan (308) who mentions a Midrash concerning a place that was destroyed because of the neglect of this idea.

Therefore, although permitted, games such as ping pong should not be a principle part of a person’s Shabbos experience.

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